Planning for the future means more than just protecting your assets, it’s about making sure your loved ones are cared for and your wishes are carried out without unnecessary stress or court involvement.
If you’re searching for an experienced living trust attorney in Santa Clarita, the Law Offices of Andrew Cohen is here to guide you. We help individuals and families create customized living trusts that provide control, flexibility, and peace of mind, ensuring your estate is handled exactly as you intend both now and in the years to come.
Why choose the Law Offices of Andrew Cohen as your living trust attorney
Creating a living trust is one of the most important steps in protecting your legacy, and it requires the guidance of an attorney who understands both the legal and personal aspects of estate planning.
At the Law Offices of Andrew Cohen, you’ll work directly with a seasoned Santa Clarita living trust attorney, in California, who not only has decades of legal experience but also a deep appreciation for the hard work families put into building and preserving their assets. Andrew Cohen combines legal expertise with real-world business and real estate insight, offering clients a thoughtful, practical approach to establishing and managing living trusts.
- A living trust can be difficult to establish and manage, but Andrew Cohen offers clients a wealth of practical experience in both the legal and business arenas. A licensed attorney for decades, and has also worked in real estate development and marketing.
- Mr. Cohen deeply appreciates the extraordinary efforts people make to provide for themselves and their families – building homes and businesses and eventually acquiring assets that may be passed on to children and grandchildren.
Professional guidance for establishing a living trust in Santa Clarita, CA
Establishing a living trust is not a one-size-fits-all process. Every individual and family has unique financial circumstances, goals, and concerns, and your trust should reflect that.
While online templates or paralegal services may seem convenient, they often overlook critical details that could put your assets and your loved ones at risk. Working with an experienced Santa Clarita living trust attorney ensures that your trust is carefully designed to meet California’s legal requirements while addressing your specific wishes.
At the Law Offices of Andrew Cohen, we take the time to understand your personal and family dynamics, the nature of your assets, and your long-term objectives. This allows us to craft a trust that provides both peace of mind and practical protection.
Whether your priority is maintaining control over your assets during your lifetime, protecting your estate from unnecessary taxes, or avoiding probate for your beneficiaries, we build a plan that works for you.
To give you a clear starting point, there are two primary types of living trusts we commonly establish for our clients. Below, we’ll outline the key differences between revocable and irrevocable living trusts, and we invite you to contact us for a more personalized discussion about which option best supports your goals.
Revocable Living Trust In Santa Clarita
With a revocable living trust, most of your assets would be transferred and titled into the trust while you are alive. Critically, you will retain control over these assets as the trustee of the revocable living trust. During your lifetime, you will be able to change or revoke the trust at any time. After you pass away, the assets in the trust will pass directly to your beneficiaries or be held in trust on their behalf. And the trust will avoid the probate court process.
Most people who establish living trusts establish them as revocable, maintain control over the assets during their lifetime, and make changes as they see fit.
Irrevocable Living Trust In Santa Clarita
An irrevocable trust is established when you want to permanently give away some of your assets during your lifetime. As the name suggests, this type of trust is irrevocable, meaning you cannot revoke it during your lifetime. After you give away your assets in the trust, you essentially relinquish all of your control over those assets.
As a result of an irrevocable trust, your assets will no longer be considered part of your estate and will not be subject to estate taxes. Irrevocable trusts can provide various protections for assets, particularly from creditors, depending on who the trustee is and who the beneficiary of the trust is.
Benefits of a Living Trust in Santa Clarita
When structured properly, a living trust offers powerful advantages for you and your loved ones. Some of the most important benefits include:
- Avoiding probate court and the delays, stress, and costs that come with it
- Maintaining privacy, since unlike a will, a living trust does not become part of the public record
- Keeping control of your assets while you are alive, with the ability to manage, modify, or revoke a revocable trust
- Protecting beneficiaries by ensuring a smooth and efficient transfer of property after your passing
- Reducing potential estate taxes and shielding assets in certain cases with irrevocable trusts
- Providing peace of mind knowing that your wishes will be honored and your family safeguarded
Common Mistakes People Make With Living Trusts
Many people attempt to set up a living trust on their own or overlook critical steps in the process. Some of the most common, and costly, mistakes include:
- Relying on generic online templates that don’t reflect California’s specific legal requirements
- Forgetting to fund the trust by retitling assets into it, which makes the trust ineffective
- Failing to update the trust after major life changes such as marriage, divorce, new children, or purchasing property
- Choosing the wrong type of trust (revocable vs. irrevocable) without understanding the long-term implications
- Not naming the right trustee or successor trustee, which can create unnecessary disputes or complications
Avoiding these pitfalls is one of the main reasons to work with an experienced Santa Clarita living trust attorney who can guide you through every detail.
Common questions about living trusts in Santa Clarita California
What is the difference between a will and a living trust in California?
A will only takes effect after death and typically goes through probate, while a living trust is effective during your lifetime, avoids probate, and allows you to manage or protect assets more flexibly.
How much does it cost to set up a living trust in Santa Clarita?
Costs vary depending on the complexity of your estate and the type of trust you need. Working with an attorney ensures you get a tailored plan rather than a one-size-fits-all solution.
How long does it take to create a living trust?
With the help of an experienced attorney, most living trusts can be created in a matter of weeks, though the timeline depends on the complexity of your estate and how quickly information is gathered.
Do I need both a will and a living trust?
Yes, most people benefit from having both. A living trust manages most assets, but a “pour-over will” can handle anything left outside the trust and cover guardianship provisions for minor children.
Can I make changes to my living trust after it’s created?
If you establish a revocable living trust, you can modify or revoke it at any time during your lifetime. An irrevocable trust, however, cannot be changed once finalized.
For a living trust attorney in Santa Clarita contact the Law Offices of Andres Cohen
When looking to develop an estate plan that meets all of your needs and the needs of your family, you should work with a skilled estate planning attorney. At the Law Offices of Andrew Cohen, we are available when you need a Santa Clarita living trusts attorney. Let our team review your estate and discuss your wishes and goals with you. We want to establish a comprehensive living trust, as well as other important estate documents, so you can maintain control over your assets while you are living and ensure that they are passed on according to your wishes after your death. When you need a Santa Clarita living trusts attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation of your case by clicking here or calling 661-481-0100.
